Nature Conservation in the New Economy by Ghazala Shahabuddin and K. Sivaramakrishnan

In twenty-first century India, characterized by economic reforms and increased global demand for natural resources and minerals, the environment, primary resources, biodiversity and wilderness have come under unprecedented stress. In this context, Nature Conservation in the New Economy presents studies of conservation efforts after economic liberalization, and the institutional, legal, scientific, political and social constraints in meeting conservation goals. Building on sustained case research across India, the chapters in this book examine conservation policies in diverse contexts, such as the Wildlife Protection Act in Northeast India; the management of Delhi’s forests; conservation of the Chilgoza pine forests in the Western Himalayas and rain forests in the Jaintia hills, Meghalaya; and forest preservation in the Western Ghats. Nature Conservation in the New Economy also explores laws and regulatory policies on species reintroduction, coastal conservation and wetland management in India. The book argues that apart from the increased stress on natural resources and habitats, economic liberalization has also led to conservation efforts becoming more enterprise-oriented. The authors study the relationship between wildlife conservation and local people; institutions and social change; and the role of science in conservation.